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Articles that propose some arbitrary number of rules for doing something can be surprisingly seductive. This article focuses on the arbitrary number of 9--but the underlying rules themselves are critical if you invest in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, or are contemplating investing in them.

There is an appealing simplicity in the concept of target date funds, but making the right choice among the many offerings and understanding how the funds work is not quite as simple as it appears at first glance.

There is an appealing simplicity in the concept of target date funds, but making the right choice among the many offerings and understanding how the funds work is not quite as simple as it appears at first glance.

Looking for an investment that has the potential to produce a growing income stream and long-term capital appreciation along with reasonable risk? A closer look at stock mutual funds and ETFs with relatively high dividend yields.

Financial turmoil can prompt an emotional response that causes investors to flee stock holdings. But this can cause long-term harm to your portfolio. Instead, you need to put things in perspective and stick to the fundamental rules of investing.

The search for yield and the weak U.S. dollar have prompted investors to consider investing in foreign bond mutual funds. However, these funds have unique risks that are magnified by the ebb and flow of the currency markets. A careful look is in order before you let your money travel overseas.

To be rated tops, a mutual fund must beat a benchmark, and the crucial benchmark is peer group performance over five years. Who are the current top performers, and how did they outperform their peers? A look at the top funds and how they managed to distinguish themselves.

Mutual funds are judged by their track records, and for long-term investors it is the five-year marathon that is key. Who were the top performers, and what allowed them to survive the marathon run and come out on top? A look at the winners--and how they did it.

Mutual funds hold one advantage for retirees living off of their retirement savings - their structure makes the withdrawal process easier. However, mutual funds do not eliminate all the challenges or automatically answer all portfolio questions. How to develop a withdrawal strategy for a typical mutual fund portfolio.

Hedge funds have an exotic allure, but also an unsettling side. Mutual funds, in contrast, have a more accessible structure for all investors. Are there any mutual funds that also have that siren song of hedge funds? It turns out some do, and mutual funds that have hedge fund traits may have a place in your portfolio.

The last five years provided the ultimate financial stress test for mutual funds and investors. Some funds flunked, and a few proved to be in top shape. What made these top performers so fit? A look at who survived--and how they did it.

Stock index funds offer rock-bottom expense ratios, tax efficiency, diversification and simplicity. But how do you sort through the myriad stock index funds and the numerous stock indexes they follow? An investor’s guide to indexes and index funds.

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